Thursday, 31 August 2017

With the second half of the season in full swing and the August weather reaching it’s sunny peak, there were plenty of opportunities for refreshing river dips and even perfecting swimming one handedly (drink in the other!)

The warm evenings allowed for a game of boules watered down of course with some Pastis... it's in the rules.

Passengers play Boules at Accolay

The weather wasn't the only thing making us hot under the collar this week. Love was in the air on the Luciole!; a 44th anniversary celebration for Ruth and Bill and a wedding lead up for Kathryn and Phil, reminding us of all the anniversaries and honeymoons we’ve shared with passengers along the way. Wishing the very best of luck to all!

Glorious weather for the final cruise as we leave a canal section on to the River Yonne

Sunday, 27 August 2017

Another week of firsts for the Luciole, with a group of Russian and Ukranian guests joining us to make Luciole history – the first in our 51 years of hotel barging.

And what a week we had!

Our lovely passengers

Fishing was on the agenda – a lot of it! A visit to the local trout farm produced more than enough to allow chef Jade to feed our multi-national family of 12 for a week, leaving plenty for the crew to eat for breakfast.

Another first for the fridge ! Who remained fully stocked with scaled friends for the duration.

It’s always a joy to have wine enthusiasts on board, and Sacha knew his red wine well, even by captain Francisco’s standards!

The ladies sipped enthusiastically on the white burgundies, and all thoroughly enjoyed chef Jades sweet treats. It was a pleasure to have you on board!

A two week break from cruising during what predictably can be a very hot August allowed for crew to fly off to all four corners, covering between them Portugal, Spain, Italy, Prague and of course sunny wee Scotland!

Quiet in Vezelay and on the Luciole, with crew taking their summer holidays

In the meantime back in Auxerre, the Luciole welcomed over-qualified house-sitters John Liley and son Arthur The Luciole enjoyed a nice sanding and paint refresh from Matelot Luke (who stayed close by during the break) under the watchful eye of John. Good friend and long-term Luciole painter Roy also joined us to freshen up inside and enjoy a green tea or two. With crew now all in place and perhaps needing a holiday from their holiday, we begin to cruise with ease into the second part of our 2017 season!